Outdoor dining table

This is my outdoor table made from dimensional cedar lumber. I got the inspiration from a project featured on house calls. The dimensions are 40”x72” which provides comfortable seating for 6 people. Each of the 8 2×4s of the table top have two biscuits into the 2×6 at each end. The base is made with 4×4 legs connected by 2×4 rails and lots of 2 1/2” pocket screws. Pocket screws evenly spaced around the 2×4 perimeter of the base secure the top in place. The finish is Thompson’s water seal.

9 month update (second picture): Well the water seal was apparently not the best finish because the table quickly turned gray and ugly looking after only a few months. So this spring, I sanded the top down and applied a UV protecting deck stain that is clear with a cedar tint. The package said it lasts 6 years on fences and 4 years on decks, so hopefully it will look good for quite a while.

It was sort of a happy accident that the wood came out colored as it did. The finish was clear, but the wetness (they were labeled ‘green stiks’) of the wood was responsible for the coloring. Unfortunately, after a few weeks of drying and sun exposure outside, it has all faded to about the same color, losing the dramatic effect of contrasting colors. Next year I plan to go back with some tinted waterseal to get some of the color back.

This is excellent.Great job.An outdoor dining table should complement your existing home decor and theme.Your outdoor furniture is as important as your inside furniture, especially as you will spend many hours enjoying your outdoor furniture over the summer months.